Netflix nabs 52 NAACP awards noms
Netflix could be a dominant force at next month’s NAACP Image Awards.
The streaming giant on Tuesday emerged with a leading 52 nominations, including for the film “The Harder They Fall.” The movie — featuring a large starry cast that includes Regina King, Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba and LaKeith Stanfield — pulled in 12 nominations, including for best picture. Netflix landed 23 nominations in the television/streaming categories.
Issa Rae’s “Insecure” earned 13 nominations, including best comedy television series. “Harlem,” “black-ish,” “Run the World” and “The Upshaws” are also competing for best comedy series. “The Upshaws and “Colin in Black & White” are among the Netflix series recognized by the Image Awards.
H.E.R. received the most nominations in the music recording categories with six, including best female artist and album for “Back of My Mind.” She will compete in the outstanding album category against Silk Sonic’s “An Evening with Silk Sonic,” Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy,” Jazmine Sullivan’s “Heaux
Tales” and “When It’s All Said and Done … Take Time” by Giveon.
Regina King will compete for entertainer of the year against Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion, Jennifer Hudson and Tiffany Haddish.
The nominees were announced by actor Marcus Scribner, singer Tinashe and actor Kyla Pratt.
In addition to “The Harder They Fall,” the nominees for best picture are “King Richard,” “Respect,” “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” and “Judas and the Black Messiah.” The nominees for best actor in a film are Stanfield, Majors, Denzel Washington, Mahershala Ali and Will Smith. The nominees for best actress in a film are Andra Day, Halle Berry, Jennifer Hudson, Tessa Thompson and Zendaya.
The awards show will air Feb. 26 on BET.
Dion cancels more shows:
An ongoing health issue caused pop superstar Celine Dion to cancel another string of concerts from March 9 to April 22 as she focuses on her recovery. Dion won’t return for the remaining North American shows on her “Courage” tour following treatment for “severe and persistent muscle spasms,” concert organizers said in a recent announcement.
In October, Dion postponed her latest Las Vegas residency, which had been scheduled to begin in November, due to recurring muscle spasms.
Clooney, Roberts film halts production:
Universal’s romantic comedy “Ticket to Paradise” has halted filming in Australia due to a serious COVID-19 outbreak in Queensland state. Because of the pause, stars George Clooney and Julia Roberts have reportedly flown back to the U.S.
The movie began production last year in Queensland and had been only two weeks from completion. Reports say the film will be shut down for three months, but it’s not clear exactly when production will resume. Jan. 19 birthdays: Actor Tippi Hedren is 92. Journalist Robert MacNeil is 91. Singer Michael Crawford is 80. Singer Dolly Parton is
76. Actor Desi Arnaz Jr. is
69. Actor Katey Sagal is 68. Actor Shawn Wayans is 51. Actor Drea de Matteo is 50. Comedian Frank Caliendo is 48. Actor Jodie Sweetin is 40. Actor Shaunette Renee Wilson is 32.